Sizing a van around what you are moving
List the largest items with rough length, width and height, and give an estimate of total weight, because bulk and payload limit a van in different ways. Mention anything awkward, such as a wardrobe that cannot be dismantled or long timber. Describe loading at both ends, including stairs, lift access, distance from the kerb and whether anyone will help lift.
Fitting the van to your route
Start with the load, then choose the van. A small van works well for boxes, tools and light collections; medium and long-wheelbase vans suit furniture, stock and trade equipment; and a Luton is the better choice for bulkier items on a house move. Subject to dates, driver details and availability, the range includes the Volkswagen Caddy, Ford Transit SWB, VW Transporter Automatic, Ford Transit MWB and Ford Transit LWB. Make, model, transmission, seats, payload and licence position are all confirmed at quote stage, so treat these vehicles as a guide to the kind of hire on offer rather than a guaranteed reservation of a particular model.
Writing Down Every Boxed Item
Start by making a written record of what you plan to move, box by box. Rather than guessing, note the number of cartons, their approximate sizes and which room each belongs to, since a numbered list tied to rooms helps you see the full scale of the job at a glance. Add any loose items that will not fit in boxes, such as rolled rugs, lamp stands or flat-pack furniture, with their rough dimensions if you can measure them. If some belongings are heading to different addresses, perhaps a storage unit, a friend's place or a buyer, mark which items go where and note a contact name and phone number for each recipient. This information lets you describe the load accurately when you contact the team, and it gives you something to refer back to when arranging dates.
Allowing Realistic Time for Each Stage
Time planning is worth treating as its own task, separate from the list of goods. Think through the full schedule for your hire period: when boxes will be packed and sealed, when the van is collected or delivered, how long you expect each stage to take, and when everything needs to be at its destination. If a recipient will meet you at the other end, agree a window with them in advance and write down their number in case plans change mid-journey. It can also help to note any deadlines involved, such as a completion date, a shop's collection window or the closing time of a storage facility, and to share these when you ask about availability. Questions about how long a particular job might take are reasonable ones to put to the team when enquiring.
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What to confirm on the phone
Before the hire is confirmed, go over the key points: whether the vehicle is available, the driver requirements, mileage, insurance, the delivery or collection arrangements and any extras you have asked for. Make sure payload, loading height, tail-lift needs, driver details, deposits and insurance excess are confirmed before you settle on a van size. A clear request gives the date, the length of hire, a rough route, the delivery or pickup address, the passengers or load you expect and any special requirements that might affect which vehicle is suitable.